Tourists urged to seek malaria advice before travelling

Holidaymakers should always seek advice on malaria before leaving home on their travels, experts have advised.

People often think of malaria as being confined to tropical countries, but it is also possible to catch the disease in other parts of the world.

Jacqui Jedrzejewski, NHS Direct national mental health children's services and Caldicot lead, noted that many malaria medicines need to be started weeks before you leave the UK, making advance planning all the more important.

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'If you are travelling to countries where there is a risk of contracting malaria, it is essential that you visit your GP or health centre beforehand to discuss the most appropriate anti-malarial medication for you,' she emphasised.

'Malaria is a serious illness, particularly for pregnant women, and can result in severe illness or death. Both the mother and unborn baby can be affected,' the expert noted.

Ms Jedrzejewski also advised pregnant women to check whether the mosquito repellent they plan to use is safe during pregnancy.

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